Pediatrics, Parenting

Innocent Heart Murmurs

HFFY#6002

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0BInnocent Heart Murmurs
What is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is an extra sound heard while listening to the heart. When the noise is caused by
blood flowing through a normal heart, it is called an “innocent” murmur.
Is this common in children?
Yes. Innocent heart murmurs can be heard in 50-75% of healthy children.
What causes it?
There is not one single reason for the cause of innocent murmurs. Some heart doctors
(cardiologists) feel that they may be caused by normal blood flow in large blood vessels or extra
strands of muscle in the pumping chamber of the heart.
Will this murmur go away? If it doesn't, should I be worried?
Innocent murmurs may become louder when you are sick. There may be times when your doctor
cannot hear the murmur. If the murmur does not go away, there is still no reason for concern
since "innocent" murmurs do not affect how well the heart works.
How can you tell which murmurs are innocent?
Your cardiologist will take a complete health history and medical exam. The doctor will decide
if further testing is needed to make the diagnosis.
Are there any special restrictions or follow-up?
No. From a heart standpoint, you can do normal activities without any restrictions. Antibiotics
are not needed when going to the dentist or having surgery. You will need to return to the
cardiology clinic only if your doctor feels you should.
Who do I call with questions?
The doctor or nurse or our clinic staff can answer any questions.
Pediatric Cardiology (608) 263-6420
Adult Congenital Heart Disease (608) 890--5700
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6517.
Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if you
have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your doctor. This
is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Because each
person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care team when using
this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright 10/2014. University of Wisconsin Hospitals
and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing HF#6002